Drag-queen host tops Pakistan TV ratings

Gay.com

Pakistan’s conservative landscape has embraced a shockingly progressive late-night TV show hosted by drag queen Begum Nawazish Ali.

The remarkably classy character, a glamorous aristocratic widow of an army colonel, Begum (“Madame”) Nawazish Ali has gained notoriety through her scandalously risque monologues and an assertive way of interacting with her guests, who include top-notch Pakistani celebrities and politicians.

Hosted by 28-year-old actor Ali Saleem, the risque entertainment has quickly become the most popular late-night TV show in the Muslim country.

“Some people compare her to Dame Edna’s character on British television,” Saleem told NBC’s Worldblog, “but Begum Nawazish Ali is much too sophisticated to ever be that crude.”